Before we talk about anything else, we have to acknowledge what an exercise in ambition and resources Townhall is. With 2 storeys, 160 seats, multiple cuisines, and the Oberoi’s Master sushi chef Augusto Cabrera at the helm, it’s safe to say that Khan Market’s lanes haven’t had this kind of star power flung at them yet.
LOOKS LIKE
The “go big or go home” theme carries through to the
interiors. The first floor is, by far, the single largest and grandest space in
Khan and the rooftop the most expansive. I like that the first floor is split
into separate rooms – allowing the restaurant to host private parties or small
gatherings without getting in the way of walk in patrons.
TASTES LIKE
The menu is equally formidable, and includes Italian,
French, Thai, Continental and of course, Japanese dishes. I’m skeptical of
multi-cuisine restaurants as a rule but Townhall might just be the proverbial
exception. If anyone has the culinary capital to pull off the long winded menu,
it’s these guys. It seemed appropriate to start with Chef Cabrera’s signature
rolls, we chose the Spicy Hamachi with Yellowtail and Wasabi. The rolls were
gloriously fresh and so flavorful it seemed a shame to roll them around in soy,
a generous layer of caviar had texture exploding in my mouth with every bite.
We followed this up with the Townhall Antipasto Sharing Platter which comes
with grilled prawn skewers, bocconcini and cherry tomato skewers, melons
wrapped in parma ham and grilled red and green peppers with walnut bites. A
generously portioned platter for two that could easily extend to three, I loved
that each skewer and dip (down to the pesto that coated the bocconcini) was so
obviously fresh. We concluded our culinary trip around the world with a French
Baguette with Smoked Ham, Avocado and Tartar, which was, like each other dish,
substantial and clearly just made with great quality ingredients. The star of
the show, was unsurprisingly, the sushi but each dish held its own, even if
under the shadow of what is clearly the Chef’s forte.
Townhall hasn’t managed to get its liquor license yet
which is a crying shame because the gorgeous bar and lovely rooftop would be
the perfect place to get a drink in Khan. I suppose its small consolation that
our local licensing authorities don’t appear to respond to anyone irrespective
of the size of the establishments applying. Currently they have a (no surprise
here) vast range of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from, which I’m slowly
and surely making my way through. My favorite is the peach flavored Japanese
lemonade which comes from a banta bottle and is served with Kaffir lime leaves
and a cherry – I’ve never tasted anything like it and I think I’m addicted.
Next up is the watermelon juice which is light, refreshing and happily has no
sugar added to it. If you’re feeling adventurous try the Gems and Mint
Milkshake – a totally bizarre but absolutely delicious combination of flavors.
This kind of scale inspires proportionate
expectations and while Townhall is suffering through some teething trouble, I
have great hopes from the place. The interiors are spectacular, as is the sushi
and the staff. Once their cocktail menu is up, this is going to be the best way
to spend an evening in Khan. Go before they get their liquor license and
thirsty hordes descend upon Townhall. I love Townhall’s versatility, it’s
pretty enough to take your date, the menu wide enough to accommodate the
diverse tastes of a large family gathering and buttoned up enough for a
post-work drink. There’s something for everyone at Townhall but my
recommendation is to go with the sushi-lover in your life.
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